Top 5 health benefits of Kokum and why it might become rare and extinct by 2025
Kokum is a highly beneficial fruit with numerous health advantages.
5 health benefits of Kokum and why it might become rare and extinct by 2025
Kokum, a delicious juicy fruit grows in the tropical region particularly found in the western ghats of India is known for the myriad of health benefits. However, this superfruit is under danger of being threatened by what might potentially lead to its extinction by the year 2025. Here are 5 benefits –
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Rich in Antioxidants
Kokum is endowed with rich amounts of antioxidants, notably garcinol, that assist in eradicating the impact of the free radicals and inflammation processes. Still, these antioxidants work to prevent the harm that free radicals cause to the cells, thus minimizing the likelihood of developing chronic illnesses such as heart diseases or cancer.
Aids Digestion
The bark of the kokum tree has long been used in traditional medicine as carminative to aid digestion. This is because it makes one feel hungry and works well for people suffering from indigestion, gas and acidity. It is also good in the natural healing process due to its cool touch to the digestive area and can be used in solving digestive problems.
Supports Weight Loss
Kokum has the ability to suppress appetite and also reduce fat synthesis and this is made possible through a chemical compound called Hydroxycitric acid (HCA). This makes the substance to be more included in weight loss supplements since it contains this component. New research has also shown that using kokum to make foods can assist in weight loss since it controls appetite and reduces the body’s ability to store fat.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Some of the chemical components present in kokum are recognized to have anti-inflammatory properties, which play a role in inflammation and pain relief. This is specially helpful to those individuals who are experiencing rheumatism and other inflammatory diseases. People should consider taking kokum as a remedy as it helps to reduce pains and increase muscle flexibility.
Promotes Heart Health
Kokum is beneficial in bringing down cholesterol and inhibiting fatty formations on arterial walls, thereby averting coronary artery diseases. It has affirmed its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant role in the aspect of proper cardiovascular functioning and general integrity of blood vessels and blood flow in particular.
Threats to Kokum’s Existence
Despite its health benefits, kokum is under threat due to several factors:Despite its health benefits, kokum is under threat due to several factors:
Deforestation: Kokum that grows in the Western Ghats is under threat most especially as the region is being cleared at alarming rates destroying the natural habitat of the kokum trees.
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Climate Change: As mentioned earlier, climatic conditions comprising rainfall, temperature, light, moisture and humidity have a quiet an influence on the growth and yield of kokum trees. Another challenge that can affect the cultivations of kokum is the changes in the weather patterns and precipitation intensities.
Lack of Awareness and Demand: From the data collected it emerges that people’s understanding of kokum is less and the awareness about the therapeutic values of kokum is much less than that for exotic fruits, this lack of demand results in less cultivation.
Agricultural Practices: Kokum tree can be found locally and used in Ayurvedic medicines Commercial agriculture is replacing local agriculture hence less land remaining for ko- kum tree.
Economic Factors: seasonal fluctuation in prices and market forces, farmers might not be able to generate adequate sales revenue from kokum when compared to other crops and the kokum business may soon lose ground.
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